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How to Prevent Spider Veins

Although they often cause no symptoms, spider veins are unsightly, and many people find them embarrassing. Triple board-certified Dr. Craig Schwartz at Premier Vein and Body by Schwartz can eliminate these spider veins while also evaluating if an underlying venous condition may be at the root of your spider veins.

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What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins result when pressure rises in the venous system, stretching the thin vessel walls and causing them to expand far beyond their normal size, resulting in spider veins.  Spider veins most often affect the small vessels on the lower legs, hands, and face. They characteristically have a red, purple or blue thread-like pattern. While spider veins do not often cause any physical symptoms, clusters in areas such as the ankle or calf may represent a more serious vein issue, stemming from larger feeder veins under the skin.  Since spider veins may be a symptom of a deeper venous issue, it’s best to seek treatment with an experienced vascular specialist, such as Dr. Schwartz, who can provide testing and develop a comprehensive plan of care

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins can result from factors that raise the pressure in the venous system, either directly or as a result of other conditions. Some commonly identified causes of spider veins, especially those in the legs, include:

  • Heredity, the strongest factor in the development of spider veins
  • Pregnancy
  • Sitting or standing for long periods of time
  • Age, causing wear and tear on the vascular system

Tiny spider veins may also appear in areas such as the face with conditions such as rosacea. Their development also has a strong genetic component, so you can often thank mom or grandma.

How to Prevent Spider Veins

Maintaining a healthy circulatory system will help prevent spider veins, including regular physical activity, such as running/walking, that activates the muscles, helping push blood out of the legs. Prevention also includes a healthy weight management program to avoid obesity, which puts pressure on the cardiovascular system. 

Preventing excessive pressure on the veins from staying in one position for too long can also help. As sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time is tough on your system, it’s important to occasionally move positions.  Elevating your feet at the end of the day helps blood move out of the leg veins. 

Consultations Available Now

To learn more, schedule your consultation with Dr. Schwartz by filling out the form on this page or by calling his practice at 913-451-8346. Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz serves patients throughout the Kansas City metro.

How are Spider Veins Treated?

Dr. Schwartz offers only the most state-of-the art spider vein treatments and will formulate your personal plan that will achieve the most optimal results. Spider veins on the legs are most frequently treated with a combination of Sclerotherapy injections and topical laser treatment, while facial/nose veins are most often treated with our VeinGogh treatment. 

Sclerotherapy

Usually considered the “gold standard treatment” for spider veins, sclerotherapy involves the injection of an FDA-approved sclerosant solution into the veins, which will damage and harden the walls of the vein, causing them to collapse. The body then diverts blood flow to healthy veins and will absorb the treated spider veins. Noticeable results will be evident over the course of several weeks post-treatment.  

Topical Laser Treatment

The tiniest of these superficial spider veins will respond well to treatment with a topical laser. The laser energy travels through the skin without harming it while heating up the small spider veins and closing them off. This treatment works well on the spider veins that are too small for injection.   

VeinGogh

Most frequently used to eliminate facial and/or nose veins, this treatment uses a tightly controlled pulse of heat called Microburst Technology™, to precisely applying heat to the wall of the spider veins, causing controlled damage to the veins without any discomfort to the surrounding skin or tissue.  

Is There Any Downtime With Spider Vein Treatment?

You should have no downtime after these treatments and can resume your usual activities. We recommend that people avoid strenuous activities such as exercising for 24-36 hours after treatment. 

How Long Will it Take to See Results of Spider Vein Treatment?

We usually tell our patients that their treated veins will look worse before looking better as your body absorbs the closed vein.  Full visible results typically take approximately three to six weeks as the residual pigmentation fades. 

Although treated spider veins will not return, new ones can take their place, which is why it’s important to seek treatment from a qualified vascular surgeon. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Spider Vein Treatments?

Anyone suffering from unsightly spider veins is a good candidate for at least one of our spider vein treatments. With the technology to treat even the smallest spider veins, Dr. Schwartz uses his experience as a vein expert to provide his patients with clear legs, free of embarrassing and unsightly spider veins.  Most of our patients wish they had only had them treated sooner!

Testimonials

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Read from real patients about their experiences with Dr. Schwartz and his team at Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about spider vein prevention or treatment, please call us at (913) 451-8346 or complete our online contact form, and one of our trusted staff members will reach out to you. Premier Vein & Body is located in Kansas City, MO, and proudly serves Overland Park, Johnson County, and the entire Kansas City metro area.

** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If anyone has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.

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